1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 192
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas proudly recognizes
 1-4     Reverend James W. E. Dixon II, who is this year's host pastor
 1-5     for the National Baptist Convention of America, Incorporated,
 1-6     Mid-Winter Board Meeting, which is being held March 1 through 5;
 1-7     and
 1-8           WHEREAS, The National Baptist Convention of America,
 1-9     Incorporated, has its roots in a meeting of three Black Religious
1-10     Conventions on September 28, 1895, in Atlanta, Georgia, when a
1-11     plan was devised to unite into one great congregation; in 1915, a
1-12     convention split occurred, giving birth to today's incorporated
1-13     segment; and
1-14           WHEREAS, The organization's purpose is to foster the cause of
1-15     education, to promote the publication and circulation of religious
1-16     literature, and to do mission work in the United States, Africa,
1-17     and elsewhere abroad; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Reverend Dixon is pastor of the Northwest Community
1-19     Baptist Church in Houston; the church is 125 years old and is also
1-20     known as the "Community of Faith"; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Reverend Dixon, the church
1-22     has grown from 150 members to 3,500 and has assets today that
1-23     include more than 30 acres of prime real estate, an alcohol drug
1-24     treatment facility, a 38,000-square-foot shopping center, and a
 2-1     Christian school and daycare center; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Since joining the Northwest Community Baptist
 2-3     Church, Reverend Dixon has ministered faithfully to countless
 2-4     Christians, and under his outstanding leadership, the church
 2-5     has provided enlightenment, hope, and support to the Houston
 2-6     community; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, Inspirational and dedicated to helping others, this
 2-8     beloved pastor has devoted his time and energy unselfishly to the
 2-9     members of his church and the residents of Harris County; and
2-10           WHEREAS, A man of spiritual depth and devotion,
2-11     Reverend Dixon has performed countless ceremonies and has
2-12     prayed for and counselled his church members during their
2-13     hardships and in times of bereavement; and
2-14           WHEREAS, Hosting the Mid-Winter Board Meeting of the National
2-15     Baptist Convention of America is an example of Reverend Dixon's
2-16     commitment to his holy mission and to unity and tradition among
2-17     Christians; now, therefore, be it
2-18           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-19     76th Legislature, hereby join the participants of the National
2-20     Baptist Convention of America, Incorporated, in expressing
2-21     appreciation to Reverend James W. E. Dixon II on hosting the
2-22     Mid-Winter Board Meeting; and, be it further
2-23           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him
2-24     as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
2-25                                                                Whitmire
2-26                                  ______________________________________
2-27                                          President of the Senate
 3-1                                       I hereby certify that the above
 3-2                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
 3-3                                  on February 11, 1999.
 3-4                                  ______________________________________
 3-5                                          Secretary of the Senate
 3-6                                  ______________________________________
 3-7                                           Member, Texas Senate